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The Gulf region's leading men's luxury lifestyle magazine. For men who understand that the true value of luxury is its foundation in knowledge. Not so much a website, but an indispensable guide to life.

Subscribe to the magazine

The Gulf region's leading men's luxury lifestyle magazine. For men who understand that the true value of luxury is its foundation in knowledge. Not so much a website, but an indispensable guide to life.

Most bizarre bans from around the world

Bans – much like the travel ban set on the flights from many Middle Eastern countries by the trump administration – that defy logic.

March 23, 2017

By now, you may have heard everything you need to about the United States of America’s ban on electronic devices on flights from Muslim-majority countries. After UK following suit, there’s even murmurs of Canada and France mulling a similar ban now.

It’s a petty way to go about doing things, but we never expected more from the Trump administration.

Given the circumstances we thought it was a good idea to look into other ridiculous prohibitions:

Blue jeans

Where: North Korea

Kim Jong-un claims they are a symbol of American imperialism. We suspect that they just make his thighs look fat.

Reincarnation

Where: China

In 2007, Order No. 5 was announced covering “the management measures for the reincarnation of living Buddhas in Tibetan Buddhism.” This makes it illegal for Buddhist monks to reincarnate without prior government approval. Looks like a communist regime extends into the afterlife as well.

Running out of gas on the Autobahn

Where: Germany

By law, running out of gas on the highway is illegal. Now let’s say you’re out of fuel and you see a gas station in walking distance, don’t make a move. Walking along the Autobahn is also illegal.

Being fat

Where: Japan

The country that brought us Sumo wrestling has an intriguing Metabo Law wherein men and women between the ages of 45 and 74 must have their waistlines examined once a year. Any man who exceeds the approved waistline limit of 35.4 inches or woman, who exceeds the limit of 31.5 inches, will be required to attend counselling sessions or talk to a health expert about dietary options. While individuals are not fined, companies and local governments will be charged if those individuals don’t meet government standards.

Changing a light bulb

Where: Australia

In Victoria Australia, only a licensed electrician is allowed to change a light bulb. Rebels could be charged with a fine up to AU$10.

Chewing gum

Where: Singapore

Import and sale of gum is banned in the island country unless medically prescribed by a doctor. If you’re caught dealing gum, you could be fined up to $500.

Kinder eggs

Where: United States of America

Kinder eggs are banned in the USA because of the threat they pose as a choking hazard. This from the country where guns are legal but fun-filled chocolate eggs aren’t.

Jogging in groups

Where: Burundi

Burundi banned group jogging activities in 2014 after President Pierre Nkurunziza felt that group jogs were used as cover for subversive activities. The law is so harsh that it can lead up to life imprisonment.

Lip syncing

The powers that be banned the practice in 2005 to preserve the true culture of the country. It is not the only thing that is banned in the country. Even opera and ballet are banned because they were deemed unnecessary. The lip synching ban is still in effect.

Subscribe to the magazine

The Gulf region's leading men's luxury lifestyle magazine. For men who understand that the true value of luxury is its foundation in knowledge. Not so much a website, but an indispensable guide to life.